Lawyers of Distinction Welcomes Manuel de Castro, Jr. as a 2026 Distinguished Member

By Manuel J. De Castro, Jr.August 3, 2026 4 min read

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — August 3, 2026

Sioux Falls, South Dakota — The Lawyers of Distinction is proud to announce that Manuel de Castro, Jr., a criminal defense attorney based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has been selected and certified as a 2026 Distinguished Member. This recognition places Manuel de Castro, Jr. among an elite group of legal professionals nationwide who have demonstrated exceptional skill, integrity, and dedication to the practice of law.

A selective, invitation-only recognition

Lawyers of Distinction is widely recognized as the fastest growing community of distinguished attorneys in the United States. Unlike many recognition programs, membership is not available for purchase. Each candidate undergoes a thorough and independent evaluation process.

Only those attorneys who satisfy every criterion are extended an invitation to join.

  • Active bar licensure in good standing
  • A minimum number of years in practice
  • Peer and client reputation
  • Notable case results or professional accomplishments
  • A clean disciplinary history

What the organization said

"Being named a 2026 Lawyer of Distinction reflects an attorney's sustained commitment to excellence in their field," said a spokesperson for the organization. "Our members represent the highest caliber of legal talent across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. We are honored to welcome Manuel de Castro, Jr. into this distinguished community."

Members gain access to a national network of top legal professionals, exclusive member benefits, and the right to display the Lawyers of Distinction seal — a mark recognized by clients and colleagues as a symbol of professional achievement.

About Manuel de Castro, Jr.

Manuel "Manny" de Castro, Jr. is a criminal defense attorney with De Castro Law Office, with offices in Sioux Falls and Madison, South Dakota. Manny earned his Juris Doctor in 2000 and was admitted to the South Dakota Bar in 2001.

A graduate of the Western Trial Advocacy Institute and the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, he has devoted his career to defending clients facing serious criminal charges. Manny is the only criminal defense attorney in South Dakota to achieve two successful appellate victories in a single day, and has secured numerous Not Guilty verdicts in cases including Murder, Manslaughter, Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Rape.

He has argued before the South Dakota Supreme Court and handled thousands of criminal cases. Known for his personal approach, Manny works alongside his experienced legal team to provide honest guidance, direct communication, and dedicated advocacy for every client.

Media contact

Lawyers of Distinction — Email: support@lawyersofdistinction.com — Web: www.lawyersofdistinction.com

Lawyers of Distinction uses its own independent criteria, including both objective and subjective factors, in determining if an attorney can be recognized as a Lawyer of Distinction in the United States in their respective field. This designation is based upon the proprietary analysis of the Lawyers of Distinction organization alone and is not intended to be endorsed by any of the 50 United States Bar Associations or the District of Columbia Bar Association.

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This article is general information about South Dakota law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.

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